Network admission control

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for managing a network are disclosed. One method can comprise determining a first modulation rate associated with a network device. A beacon can be transmitted at a second modulation rate, wherein the second modulation rate is greater than the first modulation rate. A user device can be associated with the network device based on the beacon if the user device is configured to support the second modulation rate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/820,789, filed Nov. 22, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/341,418, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,867,117 filedJul. 25, 2014, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

BACKGROUND

A network such as a local area network can comprise one or more networkdevices (e.g., access point (AP)) to provide a means for one or moreuser devices to communicate with and/or over the network. A networkdevice can comprise a device that allows wired and/or wireless userdevices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or relatedstandards. A network device can be configured to provide access to oneor more services (e.g., private network, public network, network-relatedservices). In certain Wi-Fi networks the AP can transmit a beacon. Auser device can listen for this beacon to discover the AP availabilityin the local area. However, issues can arise when the user devicediscovers the presence of a WiFi network based on a perceived beaconstrength, but the user device is unable to successfully connect andsustain a quality connection. For example, when the AP has a morepowerful transmit power than the user device, this causes an asymmetricreceived signal strength indicator (RSSI) problem where the user devicecan receive and process the signal from the AP but the AP cannot receiveand process the signal from the user device. Another problem is that thebeacon is sent by the AP at the lowest configured rate at which the APcan transmit. Accordingly, improvements are needed for provisioning andmanaging devices connected to a network. These and other shortcomingsare addressed by the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that both the following general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive, as claimed. Methods and systems for managingnetwork devices and providing services (e.g., network connectivity,broadband services, etc.) to one or more user devices or clients, aredisclosed. The methods and systems described herein, in one aspect, canprovide access to one or more services by one or more user devices orclients independent of the network to which the user devices areconnected. In another aspect, the methods and systems described hereincan dynamically configure a beacon transmission associated with anetwork device in order to selectively manage devices that are able toconnect to the network device.

In an aspect, methods can comprise determining a first rate, forexample, a first modulation rate and/or a first data transmission (e.g.,transfer) rate, associated with a network device. A beacon can betransmitted at a second rate, for example, second modulation rate and/ora second data transmission (e.g., transfer) rate, wherein the secondrate is greater than the first rate. A user device can be associatedwith the network device based on the beacon if the user device isconfigured to support the second rate.

In another aspect, methods can comprise determining a first transmitpower associated with a network device. The first transmit power canrelate to a data transfer rate supported by the network device. A beaconcan be transmitted at a second transmit power. The second transmit powercan be different, e.g., less, than the first transmit power. A userdevice can be associated with the network device based on the beacon ifthe user device is configured to receive the beacon.

In a further aspect, methods can comprise determining a firstcharacteristic associated with a network device. The firstcharacteristic can relate to one or more of a transmit power and a noisefloor. A second characteristic associated with a user device can bedetermined. The second characteristic can relate to a received signalstrength. An estimate of a quality of connectivity between the userdevice and the network device can be determined. The user device can beassociated with the network device if the estimate of the quality ofconnectivity exceeds a threshold value.

Additional advantages will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows or may be learned by practice. The advantages will be realizedand attained by means of the elements and combinations particularlypointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both theforegoing general description and the following detailed description areexemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with thedescription, serve to explain the principles of the methods and systems:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system and network;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing device;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary system and network;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary system and network;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an exemplary method;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an exemplary method; and

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an exemplary method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present methods and systems are disclosed and described, itis to be understood that the methods and systems are not limited tospecific methods, specific components, or to particular implementations.It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended tobe limiting.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” oneparticular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When sucha range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the oneparticular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, whenvalues are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent“about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms anotherembodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each ofthe ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, andindependently of the other endpoint.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described eventor circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includesinstances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where itdoes not.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word“comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and“comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intendedto exclude, for example, other components, integers or steps.“Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey anindication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used ina restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein,and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions,groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specificreference of each various individual and collective combinations andpermutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each isspecifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods andsystems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, butnot limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a varietyof additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each ofthese additional steps can be performed with any specific embodiment orcombination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.

The present methods and systems may be understood more readily byreference to the following detailed description of preferred embodimentsand the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previousand following description.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the methods andsystems may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, anentirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software andhardware aspects. Furthermore, the methods and systems may take the formof a computer program product on a computer-readable storage mediumhaving computer-readable program instructions (e.g., computer software)embodied in the storage medium. More particularly, the present methodsand systems may take the form of web-implemented computer software. Anysuitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized including harddisks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

Embodiments of the methods and systems are described below withreference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods,systems, apparatuses and computer program products. It will beunderstood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams andflowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by computerprogram instructions. These computer program instructions may be loadedon a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such thatthe instructions which execute on the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus create a means for implementing the functionsspecified in the flowchart block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture including computer-readableinstructions for implementing the function specified in the flowchartblock or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loadedonto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process suchthat the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in theflowchart block or blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrationssupport combinations of means for performing the specified functions,combinations of steps for performing the specified functions and programinstruction means for performing the specified functions. It will alsobe understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams andflowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purposehardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions orsteps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computerinstructions.

The methods and systems described herein, in one aspect, can provideservices (e.g., network connectivity, broadband services, etc.) to oneor more user devices or clients. In another aspect, the methods andsystems described herein can dynamically configure a beacon transmissionassociated with a network device in order to selectively manage devicesthat are able to connect to the network device. Other informationrelating to transmission and/or reception characteristics of the networkdevice and/or a user device can be communicated between devices (e.g.,connected devices, pre-connected devices) to determine a connectionquality, such as an actual quality or estimated quality.

In one aspect of the disclosure, a system can be configured to provideservices such as network-related services. FIG. 1 illustrates variousaspects of an exemplary environment in which the present methods andsystems can operate. The present disclosure is relevant to systems andmethods for providing services to a user device, for example. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that present methods may be used invarious types of networks and systems that employ both digital andanalog equipment. One skilled in the art will appreciate that providedherein is a functional description and that the respective functions canbe performed by software, hardware, or a combination of software andhardware.

The network and system can comprise a user device 102 in communicationwith a computing device 104, such as a server, for example. Thecomputing device 104 can be disposed locally or remotely relative to theuser device 102. As an example, the user device 102 and the computingdevice 104 can be in communication via a private and/or public network105, such as the Internet. Other forms of communications can be used,such as wired and wireless telecommunication channels, for example.

In an aspect, the user device 102 can be an electronic device, such as acomputer, a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, a set top box, a displaydevice, or other device capable of communicating with the computingdevice 104. As an example, the user device 102 can comprise acommunication element 106 for providing an interface to a user tointeract with the user device 102 and/or the computing device 104. Thecommunication element 106 can be any interface for presentinginformation to the user and receiving a user feedback, such as aapplication client or a web browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, MozillaFirefox, Google Chrome, Safari, or the like). Other software, hardware,and/or interfaces can be used to provide communication between the userand one or more of the user device 102 and the computing device 104. Asan example, the communication element 106 can request or query variousfiles from a local source and/or a remote source. As a further example,the communication element 106 can transmit data to a local or remotedevice, such as the computing device 104.

In an aspect, the user device 102 can be associated with a useridentifier or device identifier 108. As an example, the deviceidentifier 108 can be any identifier, token, character, string, or thelike, for differentiating one user or user device (e.g., user device102) from another user or user device. In a further aspect, the deviceidentifier 108 can identify a user or user device as belonging to aparticular class of users or user devices. As a further example, thedevice identifier 108 can comprise information relating to the userdevice, such as a manufacturer, a model or type of device, a serviceprovider associated with the user device 102, a state of the user device102, a locator, and/or a label or classifier. Other information can berepresented by the device identifier 108.

In an aspect, the device identifier 108 can comprise an address element110 and a service element 112. In an aspect, the address element 110 canbe an internet protocol address, a MAC address, a network address, anInternet address, or the like. As an example, the address element 110can be relied upon to establish a communication session between the userdevice 102 and the computing device 104 or other devices and/ornetworks. As a further example, the address element 110 can be used asan identifier or locator of the user device 102. In an aspect, theaddress element 110 can be persistent for a particular network and/orlocation.

In an aspect, the service element 112 can comprise an identification ofa service provider associated with the user device 102 and/or with theclass of user device 102. As an example, the service element 112 cancomprise information relating to or provided by a communication serviceprovider (e.g., Internet service provider) that is providing or enablingcommunication services to the user device 102. As a further example, theservice element 112 can comprise information relating to a preferredservice provider for one or more particular services relating to theuser device 102. In an aspect, the address element 110 can be used toidentify or retrieve the service element 112, or vise versa. As afurther example, one or more of the address element 110 and the serviceelement 112 can be stored remotely from the user device 102 andretrieved by one or more devices, such as the user device 102 and thecomputing device 104. Other information can be represented by theservice element 112.

In an aspect, the computing device 104 can be a server for communicatingwith the user device 102. As an example, the computing device 104 cancommunicate with the user device 102 for providing services. In anaspect, the computing device 104 can allow the user device 102 tointeract with remote resources, such as data, devices, and files. As anexample, the computing device can be configured as central location(e.g., a headend, or processing facility), which can receive content(e.g., data, input programming) from multiple sources. The computingdevice 104 can combine the content from the various sources and candistribute the content to user (e.g., subscriber) locations via adistribution system.

In an aspect, the computing device 104 can manage the communicationbetween the user device 102 and a database 114 for sending and receivingdata therebetween. As an example, the database 114 can store a pluralityof data sets (e.g., mapped identifiers, relational tables, user deviceidentifiers (e.g., identifier 108) or records, network deviceidentifiers (e.g., identifier 118), or other information). As a furtherexample, the user device 102 can request and/or retrieve a file from thedatabase 114. In an aspect, the database 114 can store informationrelating to the user device 102, such as the address element 110 and/orthe service element 112. As an example, the computing device 104 canobtain the device identifier 108 from the user device 102 and retrieveinformation from the database 114, such as the address element 110and/or the service elements 112. As another example, the computingdevice 104 can obtain the address element 110 from the user device 102and can retrieve the service element 112 from the database 114, or viceversa. As a further example, the computing device 104 can obtain a MACaddress from the user device 102 and can retrieve a local IP addressfrom the database 114. As such, the local IP address can be provisionedto the user device 102, for example, as the address element 110 tofacilitate interaction between the user device 102 and a network (e.g.,LAN). Any information can be stored in and retrieved from the database114. The database 114 can be disposed remotely from the computing device104 and accessed via direct or indirect connection. The database 114 canbe integrated with the computing system 104 or some other device orsystem.

In an aspect, one or more network devices 116 can be in communicationwith a network, such as network 105. As an example, one or more of thenetwork devices 116 can facilitate the connection of a device, such asuser device 102, to the network 105. As a further example, one or moreof the network devices 116 can be configured as a network gateway. In anaspect, one or more network devices 116 can be configured to allow oneor more wireless devices to connect to a wired and/or wireless networkusing Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or similar standard.

In an aspect, the network devices 116 can be configured as a meshnetwork. As an example, one or more network devices 116 can comprise adual band wireless network device. As an example, the network devices116 can be configured with a first service set identifier (SSID) (e.g.,associated with a user network or private network) to function as alocal network for a particular user or users. As a further example, thenetwork devices 116 can be configured with a second service setidentifier (SSID) (e.g., associated with a public/community network or ahidden network) to function as a secondary network or redundant networkfor connected communication devices.

In an aspect, one or more network devices 116 can comprise an identifier118. As an example, one or more identifiers can be a media accesscontrol address (MAC address). As a further example, one or moreidentifiers 118 can be a unique identifier for facilitatingcommunications on the physical network segment. In an aspect, each ofthe network devices 116 can comprise a distinct identifier 118. As anexample, the identifiers 118 can be associated with a physical locationof the network devices 116.

In an aspect, the user device 102 can discover a beacon 120 transmitted(e.g., wirelessly) by the network device 116. The beacon 120 cancomprise a beacon frame. As an example, the beacon frame can compriseinformation relating to the network. As a further example, the beaconframe can comprise a timestamp to synchronize two or more devices(network device 116), a beacon interval at which a node (network device116) must send a beacon; and capability information. The beacon 120 cancomprise information to facilitate a connection between the user device102 and the network device 116. In another aspect, a broadcast rate(e.g., data transmission rate, modulation rate) of the network device116 can be configured at a custom rate. As an example, the beacon 120transmitted by the network device 116 can advertise the minimumacceptable rate (e.g., data transmission rate, modulation rate) that isrequired to connect to the network device 116. As such, if a user device102 is in range of the beacon 120, but is not able to demodulate thebeacon 120, the user device 102 is unable to discover the network device116 and may not be able to connect to the network device. As anotherexample, if the network device 116 can support the following rates (inMbps): 1, 2, 5.5, 11, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54, the beacon 120 canbe transmitted at 18 Mbps in order to reduce the circumference in whichthe beacon could be de-modulated. This would allow the user device 102to use lower rates than 18 Mbps, but to not discover the broadcast andattempt connection until the user device 102 was able to de-modulate 18Mbps. As another example, if the network device 116 can support thefollowing rates (in Mbps): 7.2, 14.4, 21.7, 28.9, 43.3, 57.8, 65, 72.2,the beacon 120 can be transmitted at 21.7 Mbps instead of 7.2 Mbps inorder to reduce the circumference that the beacon could be de-modulated.As a further example, the network device 116 may be configured tosupport various rates, such as less than or equal to 87.6 Mbps, lessthan or equal to 200 Mbps, less than or equal to 433.3 Mbps, less thanor equal to 866.7 Mpbs, less than or equal to 6912 Mbps, or other ratesor ranges. In an aspect, any rate can be used, such as rates allowed bygoverning agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)and the like.

In a further aspect, the user device 102 may be required to be within aparticular range of the network device 116 in order to discover thebeacon 120. In an aspect, the network device 116 can configure atransmit power specifically for the beacon 120. As an example, thebeacon 120 can be transmitted at a first transmit power that is lowerthan a second transmit power used for the transmission of network data.As a further example, data can be transmitted at a power of 23 dBm andthe beacon 120 can transmit at a power of 15 dBm. This would reduce thearea that a user device 102 could discover the broadcast of the beacon120, but would not affect the actual data service area of the networkdevice 116 for all devices.

In an aspect, various characteristics can be communicated between theuser device 102 and the network device 116 to evaluate link quality. Asan example, an RSSI associated with the user device 102 can be receivedby the network device 116 and can be returned to the user device 102.The user device 102 can use the returned RSSI to determine the qualityof uplink and downlink for the connection between the user device 102and the network device 116. As an example, information relating to atransmit power and/or a noise floor of the network device 116 can betransmitted to one or more user devices 102. Using this informationabout the network device 116 and/or the RSSI measured by the user device102, the device can calculate a path loss. Knowing this path loss, thenoise floor at the network device 116, and the characteristics of atransmitter of the user device 102, the user device 102 can calculate aquality of connectivity, such as the probability that its uplink will bereceived by the network device 116.

In an aspect, path loss can be calculated based on the transmissionpower (P_(tx1)) and an RSSI associated with the network device 116. Asan example, path loss can be calculated based on P_(tx1)−RSSI=L_(p)(path loss). In another aspect, a quality of connectivity (e.g.,signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)) can be calculated based on the transmissionpower (P_(tx2)) associated with the user device 102, the L_(p), and thenoise floor (N) associated with the user device 102 or the networkdevice 116. As an example, SNR can be calculated (e.g., estimated) basedon P_(tx2)(dBm)−L_(p)(dB)−N(dBm)=SNR(dB), wherein N can be associatedwith one or more of the user device 102 or the network device 116. Otherfunctions and characteristics can be used to determine path loss and/orquality of connectivity.

In an exemplary aspect, the methods and systems can be implemented on acomputing system, such as computing device 201 as illustrated in FIG. 2and described below. By way of example, one or more of the user device102 and the computing device 104 of FIG. 1 can be a computer asillustrated in FIG. 2 . Similarly, the methods and systems disclosed canutilize one or more computers to perform one or more functions in one ormore locations. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplaryoperating environment for performing the disclosed methods. Thisexemplary operating environment is only an example of an operatingenvironment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to thescope of use or functionality of operating environment architecture.Neither should the operating environment be interpreted as having anydependency or requirement relating to any one or combination ofcomponents illustrated in the exemplary operating environment.

The present methods and systems can be operational with numerous othergeneral purpose or special purpose computing system environments orconfigurations. Examples of well known computing systems, environments,and/or configurations that can be suitable for use with the systems andmethods comprise, but are not limited to, personal computers, servercomputers, laptop devices, and multiprocessor systems. Additionalexamples comprise set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics,network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computingenvironments that comprise any of the above systems or devices, and thelike.

The processing of the disclosed methods and systems can be performed bysoftware components. The disclosed systems and methods can be describedin the general context of computer-executable instructions, such asprogram modules, being executed by one or more computers or otherdevices. Generally, program modules comprise computer code, routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that performparticular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Thedisclosed methods can also be practiced in grid-based and distributedcomputing environments where tasks are performed by remote processingdevices that are linked through a communications network. In adistributed computing environment, program modules can be located inboth local and remote computer storage media including memory storagedevices.

Further, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the systems andmethods disclosed herein can be implemented via a general-purposecomputing device in the form of a computing device 201. The componentsof the computing device 201 can comprise, but are not limited to, one ormore processors or processing units 203, a system memory 212, and asystem bus 213 that couples various system components including theprocessor 203 to the system memory 212. In the case of multipleprocessing units 203, the system can utilize parallel computing.

The system bus 213 represents one or more of several possible types ofbus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, aperipheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or localbus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, sucharchitectures can comprise an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus,a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, aVideo Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, an AcceleratedGraphics Port (AGP) bus, and a Peripheral Component Interconnects (PCI),a PCI-Express bus, a Personal Computer Memory Card Industry Association(PCMCIA), Universal Serial Bus (USB) and the like. The bus 213, and allbuses specified in this description can also be implemented over a wiredor wireless network connection and each of the subsystems, including theprocessor 203, a mass storage device 204, an operating system 205,network software 206, network data 207, a network adapter 208, systemmemory 212, an Input/Output Interface 210, a display adapter 209, adisplay device 211, and a human machine interface 202, can be containedwithin one or more remote computing devices 214 a,b,c at physicallyseparate locations, connected through buses of this form, in effectimplementing a fully distributed system.

The computing device 201 typically comprises a variety of computerreadable media. Exemplary readable media can be any available media thatis accessible by the computing device 201 and comprises, for example andnot meant to be limiting, both volatile and non-volatile media,removable and non-removable media. The system memory 212 comprisescomputer readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as randomaccess memory (RAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read onlymemory (ROM). The system memory 212 typically contains data, such asnetwork data 207, and/or program modules, such as operating system 205and network software 206, that are immediately accessible to and/or arepresently operated on by the processing unit 203.

In another aspect, the computing device 201 can also comprise otherremovable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer storage media.By way of example, FIG. 2 illustrates a mass storage device 204 whichcan provide non-volatile storage of computer code, computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for thecomputing device 201. For example and not meant to be limiting, a massstorage device 204 can be a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, aremovable optical disk, magnetic cassettes or other magnetic storagedevices, flash memory cards, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) orother optical storage, random access memories (RAM), read only memories(ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM),solid state drives, and the like.

Optionally, any number of program modules can be stored on the massstorage device 204, including by way of example, an operating system 205and network software 206. Each of the operating system 205 and networksoftware 206 (or some combination thereof) can comprise elements of theprogramming and the network software 206. Network data 207 can also bestored on the mass storage device 204. Network data 207 can be stored inany of one or more databases known in the art. Examples of suchdatabases comprise, DB2®, Microsoft® Access, Microsoft® SQL Server,Oracle®, mySQL, PostgreSQL, and the like. The databases can becentralized or distributed across multiple systems.

In another aspect, the user can enter commands and information into thecomputing device 201 via an input device (not shown). Examples of suchinput devices comprise, but are not limited to, a keyboard, pointingdevice (e.g., a “mouse”), a microphone, a joystick, a scanner, tactileinput devices such as gloves, and other body coverings, and the likeThese and other input devices can be connected to the processing unit203 via a human machine interface 202 that is coupled to the system bus213, but can be connected by other interface and bus structures, such asa parallel port, game port, an IEEE 1394 Port (also known as a Firewireport), a serial port, or a universal serial bus (USB).

In yet another aspect, a display device 211 can also be connected to thesystem bus 213 via an interface, such as a display adapter 209. It iscontemplated that the computing device 201 can have more than onedisplay adapter 209 and the computer 201 can have more than one displaydevice 211. For example, a display device can be a monitor, an LCD(Liquid Crystal Display), or a projector. In addition to the displaydevice 211, other output peripheral devices can comprise components,such as speakers (not shown) and a printer (not shown) which can beconnected to the computing device 201 via Input/Output Interface 210.Any step and/or result of the methods can be output in any form to anoutput device. Such output can be any form of visual representation,including, but not limited to, textual, graphical, animation, audio,tactile, and the like. The display 211 and computing device 201 can bepart of one device, or separate devices.

The computing device 201 can operate in a networked environment usinglogical connections to one or more remote computing devices 214 a,b,c.By way of example, a remote computing device can be a personal computer,portable computer, a smart phone, a server, a router, a networkcomputer, a peer device or other common network node, and so on. Logicalconnections between the computing device 201 and a remote computingdevice 214 a,b,c can be made via a network 215, such as a local areanetwork (LAN) and a general wide area network (WAN). Such networkconnections can be through a network adapter 208. A network adapter 208can be implemented in both wired and wireless environments. Suchnetworking environments are conventional and commonplace in dwellings,offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet.

For purposes of illustration, application programs and other executableprogram components, such as the operating system 205, are illustratedherein as discrete blocks, although it is recognized that such programsand components reside at various times in different storage componentsof the computing device 201, and are executed by the data processor(s)of the computer. An implementation of network software 206 can be storedon or transmitted across some form of computer readable media. Any ofthe disclosed methods can be performed by computer readable instructionsembodied on computer readable media. Computer readable media can be anyavailable media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of exampleand not meant to be limiting, computer readable media can comprise“computer storage media” and “communications media.” “Computer storagemedia” comprise volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removablemedia implemented in any methods or technology for storage ofinformation, such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules, or other data. Exemplary computer storage mediacomprises, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory orother memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which canbe used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by acomputer.

The methods and systems can employ artificial intelligence (AI)techniques, such as machine learning and iterative learning. Examples ofsuch techniques include, but are not limited to, expert systems, casebased reasoning, Bayesian networks, behavior based AI, neural networks,fuzzy systems, evolutionary computation (e.g. genetic algorithms), swarmintelligence (e.g. ant algorithms), and hybrid intelligent systems (e.g.expert inference rules generated through a neural network or productionrules from statistical learning).

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary system and network. In an aspect, aplurality of nodes 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, 302 d can be in communicationwith one or more user devices 303 and a gateway 304 a. As an example,one or more nodes 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, 302 d can be a network device,router, switch, communication device, or the like. As another example,one or more user devices 303 can be an electronic device, such as acomputer, a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, a set top box, a displaydevice, or other device capable of communicating with one or more of thenodes 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, 302 d of the network.

In an aspect, the user device 303 can be associated with a firstidentifier 305, such as a user identifier or device identifier. As anexample, the first identifier 305 can be any identifier, token,character, string, or the like, for differentiating one user or userdevice (e.g., user device 303) from another user or user device. In afurther aspect, the first identifier 305 can identify a user or userdevice as belonging to a particular class of users or user devices. As afurther example, the first identifier 305 can comprise informationrelating to the user device, such as a manufacturer, a model or type ofdevice, a service provider associated with the user device 303, a stateof the user device 303, a locator, and/or a label or classifier. Otherinformation can be represented by the first identifier 305. In anaspect, the first identifier 305 can be an internet protocol address, aMAC address, a network address, an Internet address, or the like. As anexample, the first identifier 305 can be relied upon to establish acommunication session between the user device 303 and the computingdevice 304 or other devices (e.g., nodes 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, 302 d)and/or networks. As a further example, the first identifier 305 can beused as an identifier or locator of the user device 303. In an aspect,the first identifier 305 can be persistent for a particular networkand/or location.

In an aspect, one or more of the nodes 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, 302 d can beconfigured to communicate with another of the nodes 302 a, 302 b, 302 c,302 d and/or the gateway 304 via one or more communication paths. In anaspect, the one or more communication paths can comprise one or moreuninterrupted communication links, sequential links, pre-defined pathsor links, and/or intervening nodes. Links can comprise a single point topoint connection between two devices or network devices. Paths cancomprise one or more links. As an example, one or more of thecommunication paths can comprise one or more of the nodes 302 a, 302 b,302 c, 302 d. As a further example, one or more of the nodes 302 a, 302b, 302 c, 302 d can be configured as a mesh network. In an aspect, oneore more of the communication paths can be configured to transmit one ormore services.

In an aspect, the nodes 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, 302 d can be configured asa network, such as a mesh network. As an example, the gateway 304 and/orone or more nodes 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, 302 d can comprise a dual bandwireless network device. As an example, a first service 307 a or networkcan be provided. The first service 307 a can be configured with a firstservice set identifier (SSID) (e.g., associated with a user network orprivate network) to function as a local network for a particular user orusers. As a further example, a second service 307 b or network can beprovided. The second service 307 b can be configured with a secondservice set identifier (SSID) (e.g., associated with a public/communitynetwork or a hidden network) to function as a secondary network orredundant network for connected communication devices.

In an aspect, one or more of the nodes 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, 302 d cancomprise an identifier 308 a, 308 b, 308 c, 308 d. As an example, one ormore identifiers can be a media access control address (MAC address).Any uniquely identifiable attribute that can be linked to a location canbe used as the identifier 308 a, 308 b, 308 c, 308 d. Such attributescan comprise one or more of an IP Address, serial number,latitude/longitude, geo-encoding, custom assigned unique identifier,global unique identifier (GUID), and the like. As a further example, oneor more identifiers 308 a, 308 b, 308 c, 308 d can be a uniqueidentifier for facilitating communications on the physical networksegment. In an aspect, each of the nodes 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, 302 d cancomprise a distinct identifier 308 a, 308 b, 308 c, 308 d. As anexample, the identifiers 308 a, 308 b, 308 c, 308 d can be associatedwith a physical location of the nodes 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, 302 d.

In an aspect, one or more nodes 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, 302 d can be incommunication with the gateway 304 a. As an example, one or more nodes302 a, 302 b, 302 c, 302 d and/or the gateway 304 a can be configured toallow one or more wireless devices to connect to a wired and/or wirelessnetwork using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or similar standard. The gateway 304 acan comprise an identifier 309 a. As an example, one or more identifiers309 a can be a media access control address (MAC address). As a furtherexample, one or more identifiers 309 a can be a unique identifier forfacilitating communications on the physical network segment.

In an aspect, a computing device 310 can be in communication with anetwork device, such as gateway 304 a. As an example, the computingdevice 310 can be or comprise an application server, management device,auto-configuration server (ACS), AAA server, etc. In another aspect, thecomputing device 310 is located within a network, such as a wide areanetwork (WAN).

In an aspect, the user device 303 can discover a beacon 312 transmitted(e.g., wirelessly) by the node 302 b. The beacon 312 can comprise abeacon frame. The beacon 312 can comprise information to facilitate aconnection between the user device 303 and the network device 116. Inanother aspect, a broadcast rate (e.g., data transmission rate,modulation rate) of the node 302 b can be configured at a custom rate.As an example, the beacon 312 transmitted by the node 302 b canadvertise the minimum acceptable rate (e.g., data transmission rate,modulation rate) that is required connect to the node 302 b. As such, ifa user device 303 is in range of the beacon 312, but is not able todemodulate the beacon 312, the user device 303 is unable to discover thenode 302 b and may not be able to connect to the network device. Asanother example, if the node 302 b can support the following rates (inMbps): 1, 2, 5.5, 11, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54, the beacon 312 canbe transmitted at 18 Mbps in order to reduce the circumference that thebeacon could be de-modulated. This would allow the user device 303 touse lower rates than 18 Mbps, but to not discover the broadcast andattempt connection until the user device 303 was able to de-modulate 18Mbps. As another example, if the node 302 b can support the followingrates (in Mbps): 7.2, 14.4, 21.7, 28.9, 43.3, 57.8, 65, 72.2, the beacon312 can be transmitted at 21.7 Mbps instead of 7.2 Mbps in order toreduce the circumference that the beacon could be de-modulated. As afurther example, the node 302 b may be configured to support variousrates, such as less than or equal to 87.6 Mbps, less than or equal to200 Mbps, less than or equal to 433.3 Mbps, less than or equal to 866.7Mpbs, less than or equal to 6912 Mbps, or other rates or ranges. In anaspect, any rate can be used, such as rates allowed by governingagencies such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and thelike.

In a further aspect, the user device 303 may be required to be within aparticular range of the node 302 b in order to discover the beacon 312.In an aspect, the node 302 b configures a transmit power specificallyfor the beacon 312. As an example, the beacon 312 can be transmitted ata first transmit power that is lower than a second transmit power usedfor the transmission of network data. As a further example, data can betransmitted at a power of 23 dBm and the beacon 312 can transmit at apower of 15 dBm. This would reduce the area in which the user device 303could discover the broadcast of the beacon 312, but would not affect theactual data service area of the node 302 b for all devices.

In an aspect, the node 302 b can be configured to transmit two or morebeacon 312 at different transmit power levels or rates (e.g., datatransmission rates, modulation rates). The configuration of the node 302b can be based on capabilities of the node 302 b, capabilities of theuser device 303, class of the user device 303, service plane, class of auser, etc. Two or more user device 303 can discovery the two or morebeacons 312 and associated with (e.g., connect to) the network.Accordingly, a single network device (e.g., node 302 b) can providebeacons 312 for two or more user devices 303 having differentcapabilities. For example, a first user device 303 may discovery abeacon 312 having a rate of 18 Mbps and a second user device 303 candiscovery a beacon 312 having a rate of 54 Mpbs.

In an aspect, an RSSI associated with the user device 303 can bereceived by the node 302 b and can be returned to the user device 303.The user device 303 could use the returned RSSI to determine the qualityof uplink and link-down for downlink the connection between the userdevice 303 and the node 302 b. Other characteristics can be communicatedbetween the user device 303 and the node 302 b. As an example,information relating to a transmit power and/or a noise floor of thenode 302 b can be transmitted to one or more user devices 303. Usingthis information about the node 302 b and/or the RSSI measured by theuser device 303, the device can calculate a path loss. Knowing this pathloss, the noise floor at the node 302 b, and the characteristics of atransmitter of the user device 303, the user device 303 can calculatethe probability that its uplink will be received by the node 302 b. Asan example, an RSSI associated with the user device 303 can be receivedby the node 302 b and can be returned to the user device 303. The userdevice 303 could use the returned RSSI to determine the quality ofuplink/downlink for the connection between the user device 303 and thenode 302 b. As an example, information relating to a transmit powerand/or a noise floor of the node 302 b can be transmitted to one or moreuser devices 303. Using this information about the node 302 b and/or theRSSI measured by the user device 303, the device can calculate a pathloss. Knowing this path loss, the noise floor at the node 302 b, and thecharacteristics of a transmitter of the user device 303, the user device303 can calculate the quality of connectivity, such as the probabilitythat its uplink will be received by the node 302 b.

In an aspect, the path loss can be calculated based on the transmissionpower (P_(tx1)) and an RSSI associated with the node 302 b. As anexample, the path loss can be calculated based on P_(tx1)−RSSI=L_(p)(path loss). In another aspect, a quality of connectivity (e.g.,signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)) can be calculated based on transmissionpower (P_(tx2)) associated with the user device 303, the L_(p) and thenoise floor (N) associated with the user device 303 or the node 302 b.As an example, SNR can be calculated (e.g., estimated) based onP_(tx2)(dBm)−L_(p)(dB)−N(dBm)=SNR(dB), wherein N can be associated withone or more of the user device 303 or the node 302 b. Other functionsand characteristics can be used to determine path loss and/or quality ofconnectivity.

As shown in FIG. 4 , a first network 402 a can comprise one or more ofthe nodes 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, 302 d and/or the gateway 304 a and asecond network 402 b can comprise one or more nodes (e.g., node 302 e)and/or a gateway 304 b. In an aspect, each of the first network 402 aand the second network 402 b can be associated with an identifier, suchas an SSID.

In an aspect, a device such as the user device 303 can discover a beacontransmitted (e.g., wirelessly) by the node 302 e and can use the beaconto connect to node 302 e. However, user device 303 may not be able todiscover the nodes 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, 302 d. As an example, thetransmit power and/or the broadcast rate (e.g., data transmission rate,modulation rate) of the node 302 e can be such that the user device 303can receive the beacon associated with node 302 e and demodulate theinformation contained in the beacon in order to connect to node 302 e.Although the user device 303 may be in range of the nodes 302 a, 302 b,302 c, 302 d in order to process data (if connection was enabled), theuser device 303 may not be able to discover the nodes 302 a, 302 b, 302c, 302 d because of the configurations of the advertising (e.g., beacon)of the nodes 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, 302 d. As such, the nodes 302 a, 302b, 302 c, 302 d can selectively manage the devices (e.g., user device303) that can connect to the nodes 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, 302 d based onwhether the devices are configured to process designated minimumrequirements (e.g., modulation rate, demodulation rate, transmit power,RSSI, noise floor, SNR, etc.). The nodes 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, 302 d andnode 302 e can be part of the same network, such as a LAN. Any of thenodes 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, 302 d, 302 e can have a configurable beaconfor selectively managing admission to the network. For example, one ormore of the nodes 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, 302 d, 302 e can be disposed in acongested area having multiple network devices. Accordingly, the one ormore of the nodes 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, 302 d, 302 e can be configured torestrict admission to the network based upon any number ofcharacteristics.

An exemplary method is shown in FIG. 5 . In step 502, a first rate canbe determined. As an example, the first rate can be a first modulationrate and/or a first data transmission rate. In an aspect, the first ratecan be associated with a network device (e.g., access point, node,router, gateway, modem, etc.). As an example, the first rate can be fromabout 1 Mbps to about 150 Mbps, for example, 1 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps,11 Mbps, 6 Mbps, 9 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 18 Mbps, 24 Mbps, 36 Mbps, 48 Mbps, 54Mbps, 7.2 Mbps, 14.4 Mbps, 21.7 Mbps, 28.9 Mbps, 43.3 Mbps, 57.8 Mbps,65 Mbps, 72.2 Mbps, 15 Mbps, 30 Mbps, 45 Mbps, 60 Mbps, 90 Mbps, 120Mbps, 135 Mbps, and 150 Mbps. As another example, the first rate can beone of a plurality of rates supported by the network device. As afurther example, the first rate can be a rate allowed by a regulatingagency such as the FCC.

In step 504, a beacon can be transmitted. In an aspect, the beacon canbe transmitted at a second rate. As an example, the second rate can be asecond modulation rate and/or a second data transmission rate. As anexample, the second rate can be greater than the first rate. As anotherexample, the beacon can comprise a beacon frame for transmittinginformation relating to the network, such as, capability information,time stamp, and beacon interval, for example. As a further example, thebeacon can comprise information to facilitate one or more devices (e.g.,user device) connecting to a network via the network device.

In step 506, a user device can be associated with the network device. Inan aspect, associating a user device with the network device cancomprise connecting the user device to a network via the network device.As an example, the user device can be associated with the network devicebased on the beacon. As a further example, associating the user devicewith the network device can be conditional upon the user device beingconfigured to support the second rate.

An exemplary method is shown in FIG. 6 . In step 602, a first transmitpower can be determined. In an aspect, the first transmit power can beassociated with a network device. In another aspect, the first transmitpower can relate to a data transfer rate supported by the networkdevice. In a further aspect, the first transmit power can be equal to orless than the maximum transmit power allowed by the local regulationauthority (e.g., +36 DBM EIRP in the US as regulated by the FCC or theterritorial equivalent) and/or supported by the network device.

In step 604, a beacon can be transmitted. In an aspect, the beacon canbe transmitted at a second transmit power. In another aspect, the secondtransmit power can be less than the first transmit power. In a furtheraspect, the beacon can comprise a beacon frame. The beacon can compriseinformation to facilitate one or more devices (e.g., user device)connecting to a network via the network device.

In step 606, a user device can be associated with the network device. Inan aspect, associating a user device with the network device cancomprise connecting the user device to a network via the network device.In another aspect, associating the user device with the network devicecan be based on the beacon. As an example, associating a user devicewith the network device can be dependent upon the user device beingconfigured to receive the beacon. As a further example, associating auser device with the network device can be dependent upon the userdevice being disposed within a coverage range of the beacon.

An exemplary method is shown in FIG. 7 . In step 702, a firstcharacteristic can be determined. In an aspect, the first characteristiccan be associated with a network device. In another aspect, the firstcharacteristic can relate to one or more of a transmit power and a noisefloor. As an example, the first characteristic can comprise a path loss.In a further aspect, determining a first characteristic can comprisereceiving information from the network device relating to the firstcharacteristic.

In step 704, a second characteristic can be determined. In an aspect,the second characteristic can be associated with a user device. Inanother aspect, the second characteristic can relate to a receivedsignal strength (RSSI). In a further aspect, the second characteristiccan relate to one or more of a transmit power and a noise floorassociated with the user device.

In step 706, an estimate of a quality of connectivity between the userdevice and the network device can be determined. In an aspect, theestimate of a quality of connectivity can comprise determining aprobability of uplink reception by the network device. In anotheraspect, determining the estimate of the quality of connectivity can bebased uponP _(tx(dBm)) −L _(p(dB)) −N _((dBm))=SNR_((dB))wherein P_(tx) is a transmit power associated with the user device,L_(p) is path loss, N is noise floor associated with one or more of thenetwork device and the user device, and SNR is a signal to noise ratioassociated with the network device.

In step 708, a user device can be associated with the network device. Inan aspect, associating a user device with the network device cancomprise connecting the user device to a network via the network device.In another aspect, associating the user device with the network devicecan be based on the beacon. As an example, associating a user devicewith the network device can be dependent upon the user device beingconfigured to receive the beacon. As a further example, associating auser device with the network device can be dependent upon the userdevice being disposed within a coverage range of the beacon.

While the methods and systems have been described in connection withpreferred embodiments and specific examples, it is not intended that thescope be limited to the particular embodiments set forth, as theembodiments herein are intended in all respects to be illustrativerather than restrictive.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that anymethod set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps beperformed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim doesnot actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is nototherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that thesteps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended thatan order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possiblenon-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic withrespect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaningderived from grammatical organization or punctuation; the number or typeof embodiments described in the specification.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made without departing from thescope or spirit. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosedherein. It is intended that the specification and examples be consideredas exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: sending, by a network device, a beacon at a first modulation rate, wherein the first modulation rate is less than a second modulation rate; receiving, from a user device, based on the beacon, a response; determining, based on the response, that at least one first signal characteristic satisfies a threshold; causing, based on the user device being configured to receive the beacon and the at least one first signal characteristic satisfying the threshold, the user device to connect to the network device; and sending, to the user device based on the user device connecting to the network device, data at the second modulation rate.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the network device comprises an access point for a local area network.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the beacon comprises a beacon frame.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the beacon comprises information to facilitate the user device connecting to a network via the network device.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein connecting, based on the user device being configured to receive the beacon and the at least one first signal characteristic satisfying the threshold, the user device to the network device comprises: determining, based on the at least one first signal characteristic, an estimated connection quality; and determining that the estimated connection quality satisfies the threshold.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one first signal characteristic comprises one or more of a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) or a noise floor of the network device.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the threshold comprises an estimated connection quality threshold.
 8. A method comprising: receiving, from a network device, a beacon transmitted at a first modulation rate, wherein the first modulation rate is less than a second modulation rate; sending, to the network device, based on the beacon, a response; receiving, from the network device, based on the response, data indicative of at least one first signal characteristic satisfies a threshold; connecting, based on the beacon and based on the at least one first signal characteristic satisfying the threshold, to the network device; and receiving, from the network device based on connecting to the network device, data at the second modulation rate.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the beacon comprises a beacon frame.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the beacon comprises information to facilitate connecting to a network via the network device.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein connecting to the network device is further based on an estimated connection quality.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein connecting to the network device is based on being within a coverage range of the beacon.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one first signal characteristic comprises one or more of a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) or a noise floor of the network device, the method further comprising determining, based on the at least one first signal characteristic, at least one second signal characteristic, wherein the at least one second signal characteristic comprises at least one of a path loss to the network device or a modulation rate of a user device.
 14. The method of claim 8, further comprising: determining, based on the at least one first signal characteristic, an estimated connection quality.
 15. The method of claim 8, wherein the threshold comprises an estimated connection quality threshold.
 16. An apparatus comprising: one or more processors; and a memory storing processor executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to: send a beacon at a first modulation rate, wherein the first modulation rate is less than a second modulation rate; receive, from a user device, based on the beacon, a response determine, based on the response, that at least one first signal characteristic satisfies a threshold; causing, based on the user device being configured to receive the beacon and the at least one first signal characteristic satisfying the threshold, the user device to connect to the apparatus; and send, to the user device based on the user device connecting to the apparatus, data at the second modulation rate.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the response indicates a transmit power.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the apparatus comprises an access point for a local area network.
 19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the beacon comprises information configured to facilitate the user device connecting to a network via the apparatus.
 20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the processor executable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the apparatus to send a second beacon at a third modulation rate, wherein the third modulation rate is less than the second modulation rate.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the processor executable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the apparatus to: determine whether the user device is configured to receive the second beacon; connect, based on the second beacon and the user device being configured to receive the second beacon, a second user device to a network device; and send, to the second user device, data at the second modulation rate.
 22. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one first signal characteristic comprises one or more of a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) or a noise floor of the apparatus.
 23. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the threshold comprises an estimated connection quality threshold. 